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Total contact helmet

Active Publication Date: 2016-10-06
SCHUTT SPORTS IP LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a method for protecting the head of individuals wearing a total contact helmet. The helmet has a rigid body that is customized to the individual's head and has a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of impact laterally to a large surface area of the helmet. By wearing this helmet and receiving an outside impacting force, the force is distributed over the surface area of the helmet, decreasing the risk of concussion and head injury. In simpler terms, this invention provides individuals with a more effective and safe way to protect their heads while in contact sports.

Problems solved by technology

Often, as with bicycle helmets, once an impact has taken place, the foam does not recover to its original shape and must be replaced with a new helmet.
For example, a sharp knife cuts through a steak very easily, whereas a dull knife requires a lot of effort to cut.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

example 1

Summary

[0046]The objective of the study was to evaluate the energy dissipation performance of the helmet First Impact Reducing Surface Total Contact (First Contact) design of the present invention when it was incorporated with the modern football helmet. It should be understood that reference to “First Contact” throughout the Examples herein refers to the total contact helmet 10 of the present invention. A combined series of standard helmet impact test, helmet-to-helmet impact test and computer modeling using a detailed human head model were conducted to quantify and assess the resulting global head responses and brain tissue responses to a range of helmet impact conditions. These biomechanical response parameters were compared between the helmeted head with and without use of the First Contact product. The risk of brain injury was assessed according to mild traumatic brain injury risk curves developed previously using NFL brain injury data.

[0047]Methods, Results, and Injury Predict...

example 2

[0068]The objective of the study was to evaluate the energy dissipation performance of the helmet First Impact Reducing Surface Total Contact (First Contact) design of the present invention when it was incorporated with the modern Advance Combat Helmet (ACH) currently used by the U.S. Army. A series of helmet blunt impact tests were conducted according to the test methodology reported by McEntire and Whitley (2005) at U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory. The helmet with and without First Contact was tested at two impact velocities, four impact sites with three successive impacts. The performance was quantified by the resultant acceleration measured at the center of the gravity of the headform and compared between the helmeted-head with and without use of the First Contact product.

[0069]Methods

[0070]A large size Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) provided by Team Wendy was used. The helmet was fit on a medium size NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipme...

example 3

[0074]The objectives of the study were to evaluate the energy dissipation performance of the helmet First Impact Reducing Surface Total Contact (First Contact) design of the present invention when it was incorporated with: 1) the modern Advance Combat Helmet (ACH) currently used by the U.S. Army and 2) the ACH shell along with an array of spring (i.e. an energy absorption mechanism) as the replacement of the original pad materials in ACH. To evaluate the impact performance of these various helmet designs / configurations, a series of helmet blunt impact tests were conducted according to the test methodology reported by McEntire and Whitley (2005) at U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory. The resultant acceleration measured at the center of the gravity of the headform were analyzed and compared between the impacts with and without use of the First Contact product at 10 fps and 14.14 fps impact velocities. Results from frontal and rear impact tests using ACH only and ACH with First ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A total contact helmet, including a rigid body that is customized to an individual's head for being in direct contact with the head and having a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of an impact laterally to a large surface area of the rigid body. A method of protecting the head of an individual by the individual wearing a total contact helmet including a rigid body that is customized to the individual's head for being in direct contact with the head and having a force distribution mechanism for distributing the force of an impact laterally to a large surface area of the rigid body, and when receiving an outside impacting force to the total contact helmet, distributing the force of impact over the surface area of the total contact helmet. A method of decreasing risk of concussion and head injury in an individual by wearing the total contact helmet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention relates to helmets and protective gear for protection of an individual's head and body in sports and other activities. More specifically, the present invention relates to customizable helmets, protective gear, and inserts for under helmets and protective gear.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Helmets are designed to protect the head and brain and are used in a variety of activities and sports. Many helmets include a layer of crushable foam that crushes upon contact in order to control the crash energy and extend the stopping time of the head in order to reduce peak impact to the brain. The crushable foam is contained within a plastic skin. Often, as with bicycle helmets, once an impact has taken place, the foam does not recover to its original shape and must be replaced with a new helmet. Other types of helmets have a slow-rebound foam (butyl nitrate foam, or expanded polypropylene foam) that recover slowly af...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A42B3/04A42B3/28
CPCA42B3/283A42B3/04A42B3/328A42B3/06A42C2/007A63B71/10
Inventor HYMAN, STEPHEN CRAIG
Owner SCHUTT SPORTS IP LLC
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